Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

Examples are disclosed for a wireless device handoff between a first
wireless network and a second wireless network.

Claims:

1. A method implemented at a first wireless network to handoff a wireless
device to a second wireless network, the method comprising: receiving
coverage information associated with the wireless device; determining
whether the wireless device is capable of being covered by the second
wireless network based, at least in part, on the received coverage
information; and transmitting a handoff request to the second wireless
network based, at least in part, on the determination that the wireless
device is capable of being covered by the second wireless network.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a
confirmation that the handoff request has been accepted by the second
wireless network, wherein based, at least in part, on the received
confirmation, the wireless device is handed off to the second wireless
network.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein coverage information includes
location information of the wireless device and an indication that the
wireless device does not detect a signal from the second wireless
network.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the coverage information
further includes mapping information of one or more locations for which
the second wireless network has previously had coverage, the one or more
locations to indicate the location of the wireless device.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the mapping information of one
or more locations for which the second wireless has previously had
coverage comprises a map generated based, at least in part, on
information received from one or more wireless devices communicatively
coupled to the first wireless network and covered by the second wireless
network, wherein covered by the second wireless network includes a
detectable signal from the second wireless network to the one or more
wireless devices.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the handoff
request comprises transmitting a handoff request based, at least in part,
on at least one of an estimated cost to handoff the wireless device to
the second wireless network, an estimated signal strength from the second
wireless network at the location of the wireless device if the handoff
request is accepted, or whether the wireless device is a mobile wireless
device.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the handoff
request comprises transmitting a handoff request via a wireless or a
wired communication link that communicatively couples the first wireless
network to the second wireless network.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the handoff
request comprises transmitting a handoff request via another wireless
device that is configured to be communicatively coupled to both the first
wireless network and the second wireless network, wherein the other
wireless device serves as a relay between the first wireless network and
the second wireless network.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless network is a
different type of wireless network than the second wireless network.

10. A method implemented at a first wireless network for a wireless
device handoff between a second wireless network and the first wireless
network, the method comprising: receiving a handoff request from the
second wireless network, the handoff request based, at least in part, on
a determination by the second wireless network that the wireless device
is not currently covered by the first wireless device but is capable of
being covered by the first wireless network; based, at least in part, on
the handoff request, adapting one or more beams of an antenna array to
facilitate coverage of the wireless device by the first wireless network;
and transmitting a confirmation to the second wireless network to
indicate acceptance of the handoff request, wherein the wireless device
is handed off from the second wireless network to the first wireless
network.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein receiving the handoff request
comprises receiving the handoff request via a wireless or a wired
communication link that communicatively couples the first wireless
network to the second wireless network.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein receiving the handoff request
comprises receiving the handoff request via another wireless device that
is configured to be communicatively coupled to both the first wireless
network and the second wireless network, wherein the other wireless
device serves as a relay between the first wireless network and the
second wireless network.

13. A method according to claim 10, wherein adapting one or more beams
comprises adapting one or more beams based, at least in part, on one of a
predetermined network load placed on the first network due to the handoff
of the wireless device or an effect of adapting one or more beams on
other wireless devices currently communicatively coupled to the first
wireless network.

14. An apparatus for a first wireless network to handoff a wireless
device to a second wireless network, the apparatus comprising: a coverage
manager having logic, the logic configured to: receive coverage
information associated with the wireless device; determine whether the
wireless device is capable of being covered by the second wireless
network based, at least in part, on the coverage information; and
transmit a handoff request to the second wireless network based, at least
in part, on the determination that the wireless device is capable of
being covered by the second wireless network.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the logic is further
configured to: receive a confirmation that the handoff request has been
accepted by the second wireless network, wherein the wireless device is
handed off to the second wireless network.

16. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein coverage information
includes location information of the wireless device and an indication
that the wireless device does not detect a signal from the second
wireless network.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the coverage information
further includes mapping information of one or more locations for which
the second wireless network has previously had coverage, the one or more
locations to indicate the location of the wireless device.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the logic is further
configured to generate the mapping information based, at least in part,
on information received from wireless devices communicatively coupled to
the first wireless network and covered by the second wireless network,
wherein covered by the second wireless network includes a detectable
signal from the second wireless network to the wireless devices.

19. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the logic is further
configured to transmit a handoff request based, at least in part, on at
least one of an estimated cost to handoff the wireless device to the
second wireless network, an estimated signal strength from the second
wireless network at the location of the wireless device if the handoff
request is accepted, or whether the wireless device is a mobile wireless
device.

20. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the logic is further
configured to transmit a handoff request via a wireless or a wired
communication link that communicatively couples the first wireless
network to the second wireless network.

21. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the logic is further
configured to transmit a handoff request via another wireless device that
is configured to be communicatively coupled to both the first wireless
network and the second wireless network, wherein the other wireless
device serves as a relay between the first wireless network and the
second wireless network.

22. A system for a wireless device handoff between a first wireless
network and a second wireless network, the system comprising: an antenna
array configured to generate one or more adaptable beams to modify a
coverage area for the first wireless network; and an adaption manager
having logic, the logic configured to: receive a handoff request from the
second wireless network, the handoff request based, at least in part, on
a determination by the second wireless network that the wireless device
is capable of being covered by the first wireless network; cause a beam
from among the one or more adaptable beams to be adapted in order to
enable the wireless device to be covered by the first wireless network;
and transmit a confirmation to the second wireless network to indicate
acceptance of the handoff request, wherein the wireless device is handed
off from the second wireless network to the first wireless network.

23. A system according to claim 22, wherein to receive the handoff
request comprises to receive a handoff request via a wireless or a wired
communication link that communicatively couples the first wireless
network to the second wireless network.

24. A system according to claim 22, wherein to receive the handoff
request comprises to receive a handoff request via another wireless
device that is configured to be communicatively coupled to both the first
wireless network and the second wireless network, wherein the other
wireless device serves as a relay between the first wireless network and
the second wireless network.

25. A system according to claim 22, wherein to cause the beam to be
adapted comprises to cause a beam to be adapted based, at least in part,
on one of a network load placed on the first network due to the handoff
of the wireless device or an impact of adapting one or more beams on
other wireless devices currently communicatively coupled to the first
wireless network.

26. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory medium having
instructions for a first wireless network to handoff a wireless device to
a second wireless network, which, when executed by logic, cause the logic
to: receive coverage information associated with the wireless device;
determine whether the wireless device is possibly covered by the second
wireless network based, at least in part, on the coverage information;
and transmit a handoff request to the second wireless network based, at
least in part, on a determination that the wireless device is possibly
covered by the second wireless network.

27. A computer program product according to claim 26, further comprising
instructions to cause the logic to receive a confirmation that the
handoff request has been accepted by the second wireless network, wherein
the wireless device is handed off to the second wireless network.

28. A computer program product according to claim 26, wherein coverage
information includes location information of the wireless device and an
indication that the wireless device does not detect a signal from the
second wireless network.

29. A computer program product according to claim 28, wherein the
coverage information further includes mapping information of one or more
locations for which the second wireless network has had coverage in the
past, the one or more locations to include the location of the wireless
device.

30. A computer program product according to claim 29, wherein the mapping
information of one or more locations for which the second wireless has
had coverage in the past comprises a map generated based on information
received from one or more wireless devices communicatively coupled to the
first wireless network and covered by the second wireless network,
wherein covered by the second wireless network detection of a detectable
signal from the second wireless network to the one or more wireless
devices.

31. A computer program product according to claim 26, further comprising
instructions to cause the logic to transmit a handoff request via a
wireless or a wired communication link that communicatively couples the
first wireless network to the second wireless network.

32. A computer program product according to claim 26, further comprising
instructions to cause the logic to transmit a handoff request via another
wireless device that is configured to be communicatively coupled to both
the first wireless network and the second wireless network, wherein the
other wireless device serves as a relay between the first wireless
network and the second wireless network.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this
section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not
admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0002] Complex wireless communication systems may be deployed such that
coverage areas for different types of wireless networks ("heterogeneous
wireless networks") included in the wireless communication systems may at
least temporarily overlay or overlap. These complex wireless
communication systems may include at least some wireless networks using
adaptive antenna capabilities to allow for active beamforming. The active
beamforming, for example, may be in response to user traffic patterns and
other system management strategies. Also, some wireless networks may
include towers with antenna arrays having dozens of constantly changing
sectors of coverage due to active beamforming. As a result of the
constantly changing sectors of coverage, a wireless device may able to
detect a wireless network at a location at a given period of time. But as
the sectors of coverage change, the wireless device may no longer detect
the wireless network at the same location at another given period of
time.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure describes example methods to be implemented
at a first wireless network to handoff a wireless device to a second
wireless network. The methods may include receiving coverage information
associated with the wireless device and determining whether the wireless
device is capable of being covered by the second wireless network based,
at least in part, on the received coverage information. A handoff request
may then be transmitted to the second wireless network based, at least in
part, on the determination that the wireless device is capable of being
covered by the second wireless network.

[0004] The present disclosure also describes example methods to be
implemented at a first wireless network for a wireless device handoff
between a second wireless network and the first wireless network. The
methods may include receiving a handoff request from the second wireless
network, the handoff request based, at least in part, on a determination
by the second wireless network that the wireless device is not currently
covered by the first wireless network but is capable of being covered by
the first wireless network. Based, at least in part, on the handoff
request, one or more beams of an antenna array may be adapted to
facilitate coverage of the wireless device by the first wireless network.
The wireless device may then be handed off from the second wireless
network to the first wireless network.

[0005] The present disclosure also describes example devices for a first
wireless network to handoff a wireless device to a second wireless
network. The example devices may have a coverage manager that has logic.
The logic may be configured to receive coverage information associated
with the wireless device and determine whether the wireless device is
possibly capable of being covered by the second wireless network based,
at least in part, on the coverage information. The logic may also be
configured to transmit a handoff request to the second wireless network
based, at least in part, on the determination that the wireless device is
possibly capable of being covered by the second wireless network.

[0006] The present disclosure also describes example systems for a
wireless device handoff between a first wireless network and a second
wireless network. The example systems may include an antenna array
configured to generate one or more adaptable beams to modify a coverage
area for the first wireless network. The example systems may also include
an adaption manager. The adaption manager may have logic configured to
receive a handoff request from the second wireless network, the handoff
request based, at least in part, on a determination by the second
wireless network that the wireless device is capable of being covered by
the first wireless network. The logic may also be configured to cause a
beam from among the one or more adaptable beams to be adapted in order to
enable the wireless device to be covered by the first wireless network.
The logic may further be configured to transmit a confirmation to the
second wireless network to indicate acceptance of the handoff request and
the wireless device may then be handed off from the second wireless
network to the first wireless network.

[0007] The present disclosure also describes example computer program
products. In some examples, the computer program products may include a
signal bearing medium having instructions for a first wireless network to
handoff a wireless device to a second wireless network. The instructions,
which, when executed by logic may cause the logic to receive coverage
information associated with the wireless device. Responsive to the
received indication, the instructions may also cause the logic to
determine whether the wireless device is possibly covered by the second
wireless network based, at least in part, on the coverage information.
The instructions may then cause the logic to transmit a handoff request
to the second wireless network based, at least in part, on a
determination that the wireless device is possibly covered by the second
wireless network.

[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to
be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects,
embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments,
and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become
more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the
disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its
scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and
detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIGS. 1A-C illustrate an example wireless communication system that
includes two wireless networks;

[0011]FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example architecture for a
coverage manager;

[0012]FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an example architecture for
an adaption manager;

[0013]FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of example methods implemented at a
wireless network to handoff a wireless device to another wireless
network;

[0014]FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of example methods implemented at
the other wireless network for the wireless device handoff between the
other wireless network and the wireless network;

[0015]FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer program
product; and

[0016]FIG. 7 illustrates an example computing device; all arranged in
accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar
symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates
otherwise. The illustrative examples or embodiments described in the
detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.
Other examples or embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be
made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter
presented here. It will be readily understood that aspects of this
disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the
Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide
variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly
contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

[0018] This disclosure is drawn, inter alia, to methods, apparatus,
systems and computer program products related to a wireless device
handoff between a first wireless network and a second wireless network.

[0019] As contemplated in the present disclosure, constantly changing
sectors of coverage may result in a wireless device being able to detect
a wireless network at a location at a given period of time. However, as
the sectors of coverage change, the wireless device may no longer detect
the wireless network at the same location at another given period of
time. Thus, beamforming or beam shaping may cause handoff challenges for
a wireless device to possibly be handed off to the wireless network.

[0020] In some examples, methods are implemented at a first wireless
network to handoff a wireless device to a second wireless network. The
methods may include receiving coverage information associated with the
wireless device and determining whether the wireless device is capable of
being covered by the second wireless network based, at least in part, on
the received coverage information. A handoff request may then be
transmitted to the second wireless network based, at least in part, on
the determination that the wireless device is capable of being covered by
the second wireless network. For some examples, a confirmation may then
be received that indicates the handoff request has been accepted by the
second wireless network. The wireless device may then be handed off to
the second wireless network based, at least in part, on the received
confirmation.

[0021] In some other examples, methods are implemented at a first wireless
network for a wireless device handoff between a second wireless network
and the first wireless network. The methods may include receiving a
handoff request from the second wireless network, the handoff request
based, at least in part, on a determination by the second wireless
network that the wireless device is not currently covered by the first
wireless device but is capable of being covered by the first wireless
network. Based, at least in part, on the handoff request, one or more
beams of an antenna array may be adapted to facilitate coverage of the
wireless device by the first wireless network. The wireless device may
then be handed off from the second wireless network to the first wireless
network.

[0022] FIGS. 1A-C illustrate an example wireless communication system 100
that includes wireless networks 110 and 120. As shown in FIGS. 1A-C,
wireless network 110 includes a coverage manager 112 and an antenna array
114. Also, wireless network 120 includes an adaption manager 122 and an
antenna array 124. In some examples, wireless network 110 may have a
coverage area indicated in FIGS. 1A-C as coverage area 115. Also, for
these examples, the antenna array 124 of wireless network 120 may be
adaptable (e.g., via beamforming) to enable wireless network 120 to have
variable coverage areas. These variable coverage areas are shown in FIGS.
1A-C as coverage area 125-1 and coverage area 125-2.

[0023] According to some examples, as shown in FIGS. 1A-C, wireless device
130A may communicatively couple to wireless network 110 via communication
link 116A. Also, wireless device 140A may communicatively couple to
wireless network 120 via communication link 126A. In some examples,
wireless device 140A may also be communicatively coupled to network 110
via communication link 1161. As described more below, since wireless
device 140A may be communicatively coupled to both wireless networks, a
communication channel 160 may be established that includes communication
links 116I and 126A. Either wireless network 110 or wireless network 120
may use wireless device 140A as a relay to communicate with the other
wireless network via communication channel 160. Additionally and/or
alternatively, wireless network 110 may be communicatively coupled to
wireless network 120 via communication channel 170 as shown in FIGS.
1A-C.

[0024] In some examples, wireless networks 110 and 120 may be wireless
base-stations that operate and/or may be separately associated with
heterogeneous wireless networks. Wireless networks 110 and 120 may be
heterogeneous based on each wireless network possibly operated by
different network service providers and/or in accordance with different
types of wireless network technologies. For these examples, the different
network service providers may be able to handoff wireless devices between
the different wireless networks but may not share operating
characteristics such as current and past coverage areas One type of
wireless network technology may be described in an industry standard
known as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
802.16-2009 and may be referred to as "WiMax". Another type of wireless
network technology may be described in one or more industry standards
associated with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project such as GSM,
GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA, HSPA, LTE or LTE-Advanced and may be referred to as
"3GPP". Yet another type of wireless network technology may be described
in one or one or more industry standards associated with the 3rd
Generation Partnership Project 2 such as CDMA-2000, EV-DO, EV-DO Rev. A
or EV-DO Rev. B and may be referred to as "3GPP2". WiMax, 3GPP or 3GPP3
types of wireless networks may also be referred to as wireless wide area
networks (WLANs). Although this disclosure is not limited to only the
above-mentioned standards and types of wireless networks.

[0025] As mentioned above, wireless networks 110 and 120 may be coupled
via communication channels 160 and/or 170. In some examples,
communication channels 160 and 170 may operate in compliance with one or
more industry standards. The one or more industry standards may be
associated with 3GPP, 3GPP2, IEEE 802.11-2007, or IEEE 802.16-2009 or may
be associated with other industry standards such as standards associated
with IEEE 802.1. In some examples, communication channels 160 and 170 may
include wireless and/or wired communication links to couple wireless
networks 110 and 120 and these communication links may also be configured
to operate in compliance with standards associated with 3GPP, 3GPP2, IEEE
802.11-2007, IEEE 802.16-2009 or IEEE 802.1. Although this disclosure is
not limited to only the above-mentioned standards. As an example, the
communication channel 170 may be used in an LTE wireless communication
system as a network X1 channel. The network X1 channel may be used for
instances where heterogeneous wireless networks coordinate/manage
base-station to base-station communications between wireless networks.

[0026] In some examples, coverage manager 112 may be co-located with a
base-station associated with wireless network 110. In other examples,
although not shown in FIGS. 1A-C, coverage manager 112 may be located
with control elements (e.g., a wireless communication system head end)
that may remotely manage and/or control wireless network 110. For these
other examples, coverage manager 112 may be located remote to antenna
array 114, which provides coverage area 115 for wireless network 110.
Similarly, adaption manager 122 may be co-located with a base-station
associated with wireless network 120. Also, in other examples, adaption
manager 122 may be located with control elements that may remotely manage
and/or control wireless network 120. For these other examples, adaption
manager 122 may be located remote to antenna array 124, which provides
coverage areas 125-1 and 125-2 for wireless network 120.

[0027] In some examples, coverage area 125-1 may indicate a coverage area
for network 120 for a past time period and coverage area 125-2 may
indicate a coverage area for a current or present time period. Although
this disclosure is not limited to a wireless network having two coverage
areas over past and present time periods, but may include any number of
coverage areas over any number of time periods. As mentioned previously,
antenna array 124 of wireless network 120 may be adaptable (e.g., via
beamforming) to enable wireless network 120 to have variable coverage
areas. As a result of the variable coverage areas, wireless device 130A,
as shown in FIG. 1A, is within past coverage area 125-1 but is outside of
current coverage area 125-2. Thus, although wireless device 130A is not
currently covered by wireless network 120, past coverage area 125-1
indicates that network 120 may be capable of providing coverage.

[0028]FIG. 1B depicts a view of wireless communication system 100 that
shows numerous wireless devices communicatively coupled to wireless
network 110. As shown in FIG. 1A, wireless devices 130A-H and 140A may
couple to wireless network 110 via communication links 116A-I. In some
examples, as described more below, coverage manager 112 of wireless
network 110 may include logic and/or features configured to receive
coverage information from wireless devices 130A-H and 140A to generate a
coverage map to indicate possible coverage areas for neighboring wireless
networks such as wireless network 120. The coverage information received
from a given wireless device may include information such as a location
for the given wireless device, whether a signal from one or more
neighboring wireless networks can be detected (e.g., strong enough to
communicatively couple with the one or more neighboring wireless
networks) or an indication of signal strength from the one or more
neighboring wireless networks.

[0029] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1B, wireless devices 130A and
130H are in coverage area 125-1. As a result of being in coverage area
125-1, coverage information from wireless devices 130A and 130H may
indicate that network 120 did provide coverage to these wireless devices
at a past time period and this information may be indicated on the
coverage map generated as described above. Therefore, although coverage
area 125-2 indicates no coverage for wireless devices 130A and 130H at
present, coverage manager 112 may be configured to determine that
wireless device 130A and/or wireless device 130H may be capable of being
covered by wireless network 120 based at least on the coverage map.

[0030] According to some examples, it may be determined that wireless
device 130 and/or wireless network 110 would benefit from the handoff of
wireless device 130 to wireless network 120. For example, wireless device
130 may obtain a stronger signal from wireless network 120 or wireless
network 110 may be overburdened and may need to reduce the number of
wireless devices coupled to its network. Also, wireless device 130 may be
a mobile wireless device and coverage map information may indicate that
wireless device 130 may be moving towards wireless network 120 and away
from wireless network 110.

[0031] Coverage manager 112 of wireless network 110, as mentioned above,
may have already determined that wireless device 130A may be capable
being covered by wireless network 120. As a result of wireless network
120 being capable of covering wireless device 130A, coverage manager 112
may include logic and/or features to transmit a handoff request to
wireless network 120. The handoff request, for example, may be
transmitted via communication channel 160 or 170. As described more
below, adaption manager 122 of wireless network 120 may include logic
and/or features configured to receive the handoff request and determine
whether to adapt antenna array 124 to facilitate coverage of wireless
device 130A. If a determination was made to adapt antenna array 124,
adaption manager 122 may transmit a confirmation (e.g., via communication
channel 160 or 170) to indicate acceptance of the handoff request. The
coverage area for wireless network 120 may now be similar to coverage
area 125-1 and wireless device 130A may then be handed off from wireless
network 110 to wireless network 120.

[0032]FIG. 1c depicts a view of wireless communication system 100 that
shows numerous wireless devices communicatively coupled to wireless
network 120. As shown in FIG. 1c, wireless devices 140A-1 and 130A may
couple to wireless network 120 via communication links 126A-J. In some
examples, as described more below, adaption manager 122 of wireless
network 120 may include logic and/or features configured to receive a
handoff request from wireless network 110 (e.g., via communication
channel 160 or 170). As described above, the handoff request may be based
on a determination by wireless network 110 that wireless device 130A may
not be currently covered by wireless network 120 but may be capable of
being covered by wireless network 120. Adaption manager 122 may also
include logic and/or features to adapt one or more beams of antenna array
124 to adjust wireless network 120's coverage area (e.g., back to
coverage area 125-1) based at least on the handoff request. For example,
the one or more beams of antenna array 124 may be configured to provide
directional signal transmissions for wireless network 120 via the use of
beamforming techniques to include, but not limited to, the use of
conventional beamformers or adaptive beamformers.

[0033] In some examples, adaption manager 122 may adapt the one or more
beams of antenna array 124 based on certain criteria. For example,
adaption manager 122 may include logic and/or features configured to
predetermine criteria such as what network load would be placed on
wireless network 120 if wireless device 130A was handed off from wireless
network 110. The network load, for example, may be based on an estimate
of an average load for wireless devices in general (e.g., based on
historical network data) or may be based on information included in the
handoff request received from wireless network 110.

[0034] According to some examples, adaption manager 122 may also include
logic and/or features to determine an effect of adapting one or more
beams may have on wireless devices 140A-I. For example, as shown in FIG.
1C, wireless device 140C may be within coverage area 125-2. However, if
the one or more beams of antenna array 124 are adapted to adjust the
coverage area back to coverage area 125-1, wireless device 140C is
outside of this coverage area. Since wireless device 140C may no longer
be covered, adaption manager 122 may determine not to adapt the one or
more beams. Hence, a confirmation to indicate an acceptance will not be
transmitted to wireless network 110. Alternatively, if adaption manager
122 values the addition of wireless device 130A higher than the
subtraction of wireless device 140C (e.g., wireless device 130A may be a
more profitable/preferred user), a confirmation may be transmitted to
wireless network 110. The coverage area for wireless network 120 may then
be adjusted to be similar to coverage area 125-1 and wireless device 130A
may then be handed off from wireless network 110 to wireless network 120.

[0035] In some examples, wireless devices 130A-I or wireless devices
140A-J may be mobile or stationary wireless devices, e.g., a computer,
laptop, netbook, e-book, tablet-PC, small-form factor portable (or
mobile) electronic device such as a cell phone, smart phone, a personal
data assistant (PDA), a personal media player device, a wireless
web-watch device, a personal headset device, an application specific
device, or a hybrid device that may include any of the above functions.

[0036]FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example architecture for a
coverage manager 112. As described above for wireless communication
system 100 in FIGS. 1A-C, wireless network 110 may include a coverage
manager 112. In some examples, coverage manager 112 includes features
and/or logic configured or arranged for a first wireless network (e.g.,
wireless network 110) to handoff a wireless device to a second wireless
network (e.g., wireless network 120).

[0037] The example coverage manager 112 of FIG. 2, includes coverage logic
210, control logic 220, memory 230, input/output (I/O) interfaces 240 and
optionally one or more applications 250. As illustrated in FIG. 2,
coverage logic 210 is coupled to control logic 220, memory 230 and I/O
interfaces 240. Also illustrated in FIG. 2, the optional applications 250
are arranged in cooperation with control logic 220. Coverage logic 210
may further include one or more of an interval feature 212, a receive
feature 214, a determine feature 216, a request feature 218 or a handoff
feature 219, or any reasonable combination thereof.

[0038] In some examples, the elements portrayed in FIG. 2's block diagram
are configured to support or enable coverage manager 112 as described in
this disclosure. A given coverage manager 112 may include some, all or
more elements than those depicted in FIG. 2. For example, coverage logic
210 and control logic 220 may separately or collectively represent a wide
variety of logic device(s) to implement the features of coverage manager
112. An example logic device may include one or more of a computer, a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array
(FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a sequestered
thread or a core of a multi-core/multi-threaded microprocessor or a
combination thereof.

[0039] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 2, coverage logic 210 includes
one or more of an interval feature 212, a receive feature 214, a
determine feature 216, a request feature 218 or a handoff feature 219.
Coverage logic 210 may be configured to use one or more of these features
to perform operations. As described in more detail below, example
operations may include implementing a handoff of a wireless device
between a first wireless network and a second wireless network.

[0040] In some examples, control logic 220 may be configured to control
the overall operation of coverage manager 112. As mentioned above,
control logic 220 may represent any of a wide variety of logic device(s)
configured to operate in conjunction with executable content or
instructions to implement the control of coverage manager 112. In some
alternate examples, the features and functionality of control logic 220
may be implemented within coverage logic 210.

[0041] According to some examples, memory 230 is arranged to store
executable content or instructions. The executable content or
instructions may be used by control logic 220 and/or coverage logic 210
to implement or activate features or elements of coverage manager 112. As
described more below, memory 230 may also be arranged to at least
temporarily maintain coverage information (e.g., coverage maps). The
coverage information may be associated with a plurality of wireless
devices coupled to a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 110).

[0042] Memory 230 may include a wide variety of memory media including,
but not limited to, one or more of volatile memory, non-volatile memory,
flash memory, programmable variables or states, random access memory
(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or other static or dynamic storage media.

[0043] In some examples, I/O interfaces 240 may provide an interface via
an internal communication medium or link between a coverage manager 112
and elements resident on or co-located with coverage manager 112. For
example, I/O interfaces 240 may provide an interface to elements
co-located with coverage manager 112 at a wireless base-station or if
coverage manager 112 is located remote to the wireless base-station,
elements co-located at the remote location, e.g., at a wireless
communication system head end. I/O interfaces 240 may include interfaces
that operate according to various communication protocols to communicate
over the internal communication link (e.g., Inter-Integrated Circuit
(I2C), System Management Bus (SMBus) or Serial Peripheral Interface
Bus (SPI), etc.).

[0044] I/O interfaces 240 may also provide an interface between coverage
manager 112 and elements remote to coverage manager 112. In some
examples, as mentioned above for FIGS. 1A-C, wireless network 110 may
couple to wireless network 120 via communication channels 160 or 170. The
I/O interfaces 240, for example, include an interface configured to
operate according to various wireless and/or wired communication
protocols to allow coverage manager(s) 112 to communicate over
communication channels 160 or 170 (e.g., IEEE, 802.1, IEEE 802.11, IEEE
802.16, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA, HSPA, LTE, CDMA-2000, EV-DO, etc.). In
other examples, I/O interfaces 240 may allow coverage manager 112 to
communicate to elements such as antenna array 114 if coverage manager 112
is remotely located to antenna array 114, e.g., at a wireless
communication system head end.

[0045] In some examples, coverage manager 112 includes one or more
applications 250 to provide instructions to control logic 220 and/or
coverage logic 210. Instructions, for example, may include instructions
for coverage manager 112 to implement or use one or more of an interval
feature 212, a receive feature 214, a determine feature 216, a request
feature 218 or a handoff feature 219.

[0046]FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an example architecture for
an adaption manager 122. As described above for wireless communication
system 100 in FIGS. 1A-C, wireless network 120 may include an adaption
manager 122. In some examples, adaption manager 122 includes features
and/or logic configured or arranged for a handoff of a wireless device
between wireless networks (e.g., wireless networks 110 and 120).

[0047] The example adaption manager 122 of FIG. 3 includes adapt logic
310, control logic 320, memory 330, input/output (I/O) interfaces 340 and
optionally one or more applications 350. As illustrated in FIG. 3, adapt
logic 310 is coupled to control logic 320, memory 330 and I/O interfaces
340. Also illustrated in FIG. 3, the optional applications 350 are
arranged in cooperation with control logic 320. Adapt logic 310 may
further include one or more of a receive feature 312, a cost feature 314,
a beam feature 316 or a handoff feature 218, or any reasonable
combination thereof.

[0048] In some examples, the elements portrayed in FIG. 3's block diagram
are configured to support or enable adaption manager 122 as described in
this disclosure. A given adaption manager 122 may include some, all or
more elements than those depicted in FIG. 3. For example, adapt logic 310
and control logic 320 may separately or collectively represent a wide
variety of logic device(s) to implement the features of adaption manager
122. An example logic device may include one or more of a computer, a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array
(FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a sequestered
thread or a core of a multi-core/multi-threaded microprocessor or a
combination thereof.

[0049] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, adapt logic 310 includes one
or more of a receive feature 312, a cost feature 314, a beam feature 316
or a handoff feature 318. Adapt logic 310 may be configured to use one or
more of these features to perform operations. As described in more detail
below, example operations may include implementing a handoff of a
wireless device between a first wireless network and a second wireless
network.

[0050] In some examples, control logic 320 may be configured to control
the overall operation of adaption manager 122. Similar to control logic
220 mentioned above, control logic 320 may represent any of a wide
variety of logic device(s) configured to operate in conjunction with
executable content or instructions to implement the control of adaption
manager 122. In some alternate examples, the features and functionality
of control logic 320 may be implemented within adapt logic 310.

[0051] According to some examples, memory 330 is arranged to store
executable content or instructions. The executable content or
instructions may be used by control logic 320 and/or adapt logic 310 to
implement or activate features or elements of adaption manager 122.
Memory 330 may also be arranged to temporarily maintain information
associated with determining whether to accept a handoff request (e.g.,
predetermined network loads).

[0052] Memory 330 may include a wide variety of memory media including,
but not limited to, one or more of volatile memory, non-volatile memory,
flash memory, programmable variables or states, RAM, ROM, or other static
or dynamic storage media.

[0053] In some examples, similar to I/O interfaces 240 described above,
I/O interfaces 340 may provide an interface via an internal communication
medium or link between adaption manager 122 and elements resident on
co-located with adaption manager 122. Also similar to I/O interface 240,
I/O interfaces 340 may also provide an interface between adaption manager
122 and elements remote to adaption manager 122. In some examples, as
mentioned above for FIGS. 1A-C, wireless network 120 may couple to
wireless network 110 via communication channels 160 or 170 that may
operate according to various wireless and/or wired communication
protocols. In other examples, I/O interfaces 340 may allow adaption
manager 122 to communicate to elements such as antenna array 124 if
adaption manager 122 is remotely located to antenna array 114, e.g., at a
wireless communication system head end.

[0054] In some examples, adaption manager 122 includes one or more
applications 350 to provide instructions to control logic 320 and/or
adapt logic 310. Instructions, for example, may include instructions for
adaption manager 122 to implement or use one or more of a receive feature
312, a cost feature 314, a beam feature 316 or a handoff feature 318.

[0055]FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of example methods implemented at a
wireless network (e.g., wireless network 110) to handoff a wireless
device to another wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120). In some
examples, wireless communication system 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A-C, is
used to illustrate example methods related to the flow chart depicted in
FIG. 4. A coverage manager 112 as shown in FIG. 2 may also be used to
illustrate the example methods. But the described methods are not limited
to implementations on wireless communication system 100 as shown in FIGS.
1A-C or to the coverage manager 112 shown in FIG. 2. The example methods
may be implemented on other wireless communication systems having one or
more of the elements depicted in FIGS. 1A-C or FIG. 2.

[0056] Beginning at block 410 (Begin Coverage Interval), coverage manager
112 may include logic and/or features configured to start a coverage
interval (e.g., via interval feature 212). In some examples, the coverage
interval may be a time interval that may indicate to coverage manager 112
at wireless network 110 to decide if wireless devices can/should be
handed off to another wireless network. The time interval may be based on
an amount of time that does not overburden the wireless communication
system with excessive overhead yet provides timely information to
dynamically adjust to changing network environments (e.g., mobile/moving
wireless devices and/or changing network loads).

[0057] Continuing from block 410 to decision block 420 (Possible Wireless
Device to Handoff?), coverage manager 112 may include logic and/or
features configured to determine whether a wireless device may need to be
handed over to another wireless network (e.g., via receive feature 214).
In some examples, a possible wireless device to handoff may be a wireless
device (e.g., wireless device 130A) that is mobile and moving in the
direction that may soon take the wireless device out of wireless network
110's coverage area 115. For this example, cover manager 112 may or may
not determine that wireless device 130A is a possible handoff candidate
to be handed off to wireless network 120. So for the above example, if
wireless device 130A is a possible wireless device to handoff, the
processing may continue from decision block 420 to block 430. Otherwise,
processing moves to decision block 490.

[0058] Continuing from decision block 420 to block 430 (Receive Coverage
Information), coverage manager 112 may include logic and/or features
configured to receive coverage information associated with the wireless
device to possibly handoff to wireless network 120 (e.g., via receive
feature 214). In some examples, as mentioned above for FIGS. 1A-C, the
coverage information may include a coverage map generated based on
information received from wireless devices 130A-130H. Also the coverage
information may include additional information associated with a physical
location of wireless device 130A and/or an indication that wireless
device 130A does not detect a signal from wireless network 120.

[0059] Continuing from block 430 to decision block 440 (Coverage
Possible?), coverage manager 112 may include logic and/or features
configured to determine whether wireless device 130A was in a coverage
area (e.g., coverage area 125-1) that was covered by wireless network 120
in the past (e.g., via determine feature 216). In some examples, the
coverage map may be used to determine the potential for coverage by
wireless network 120. If the coverage map indicates that wireless device
130A may be covered by wireless network 120, processing may continue from
decision block 440 to decision block 450. Otherwise, processing moves to
decision block 490.

[0060] Continuing from decision block 440 to decision block 450 (Transmit
Handoff Request?), coverage manager 112 may include logic and/or features
configured to determine whether to transmit a handoff request to wireless
network 120 (e.g., via request feature 218). In some examples, coverage
manager 112 may assess various criteria to determine whether a handoff of
wireless device is cost effective or beneficial to wireless device 130A
and/or wireless network 110. The criteria may include an estimated cost
to handoff wireless device 130A to wireless network 120. For example,
wireless device 130A may not be a contracted user with a service provider
that operates wireless network 120 and a high fee (e.g., roaming charge)
may make a handoff unacceptably costly. The criteria may also include
estimated signal strength from wireless network 120 if the handoff
request is accepted. The criteria may further include whether wireless
device 130A is mobile or stationary. For example, if wireless device 130A
is mobile and coverage information indicates wireless device 130A is
moving towards wireless network 120 it may be beneficial to request a
handoff. If a handoff request is to be transmitted to wireless network
120, processing may continue from decision block 450 to block 460.
Otherwise, processing moves to decision block 490.

[0061] Continuing from decision block 450 to block 460 (Transmit Handoff
Request), coverage manager 112 may include logic and/or features
configured to transmit the handoff request (e.g., via request feature
218) to wireless network 120. In some examples, the handoff request may
be transmitted via communication channel 160 that may include the use of
wireless device 140A as a relay. In other examples, the handoff request
may be transmitted via communication channel 170. Also, the handoff
request may include location or other information to allow wireless
network 120 to possibly determine how the one or more beams of antenna
array 124 may be adapted to cover wireless device 130A.

[0062] Continuing from block 460 to decision block 470 (Conf. Received?),
coverage manager 112 may include logic and/or features configured to
determine whether a confirmation has been received from wireless network
120 (e.g., via receive feature 218). In some examples, the received
confirmation indicates to coverage manager 112 that the handoff request
has been accepted for the handoff of wireless device 130A to wireless
network 120. The confirmation may also indicate that wireless network 120
has adapted its coverage area to now cover the location of wireless
device 130A. Coverage manager 112 may also included logic and/or features
configured to start a confirmation interval (e.g., via interval feature
212) that establishes a period of time to wait for a confirmation. If a
confirmation is received from wireless network 120 before the
confirmation interval expires, processing may continue from decision
block 470 to block 480. Otherwise, if the confirmation interval expires
and no confirmation has been received, processing moves to decision block
490.

[0064] Moving from block 480 to decision block 490 (Coverage Interval
Over?), coverage manager 112 may include logic and/or features configured
to determine whether the coverage interval is over (e.g., via interval
feature 212). In some examples, as mentioned above, the coverage interval
may be a time interval that may indicate to coverage manager 112 at
wireless network 110 to decide if wireless devices can/should be handed
off to another wireless network. If the coverage interval is over, the
process moves to block 410 and a new interval begins or is started.
Otherwise, if the coverage interval is not yet over, the process moves to
decision block 420 and other wireless devices coupled to wireless network
110 may be considered for a handoff.

[0065]FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of example methods implemented at a
wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120) for a wireless device
handoff between another wireless network (e.g., wireless network 110) and
the wireless network. In some examples, wireless communication system 100
as shown in FIGS. 1A-C, is used to illustrate example methods related to
the flow chart depicted in FIG. 5. An adaption manager 122 as shown in
FIG. 3 may also be used to illustrate the example methods. But the
described methods are not limited to implementations on wireless
communication system 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A-C or to the adaption
manager 122 shown in FIG. 3. The example methods may be implemented on
other wireless communication systems having one or more of the elements
depicted in FIGS. 1A-C or FIG. 3.

[0066] Moving from the start to block 510 (Receive Handoff Request),
adaption manager 122 of wireless network 120 may include logic and/or
features configured to receive a handoff request from wireless network
110 (e.g., via receive feature 312). In some examples, the handoff
request may be based on a determination by wireless network 110 that
wireless device 130A is not currently covered by wireless network 120
(e.g., coverage area 125-2) but is capable of being covered by wireless
network 120 (e.g., coverage area 125-1). As mentioned above, the handoff
request may be received via either communication channel 160 or 170.

[0067] Continuing from block 510 to decision block 520 (Adapt Coverage
Area?), adaption manager 122 may include logic and/or features configured
to determine whether to adapt the coverage area for wireless network 120
(e.g., via cost feature 214). In some examples, adaption manager 122 may
evaluate the costs associated with a handoff of wireless device 130A to
wireless network 120 and base a determination on the associated costs.
Those costs may be based on criteria to include a predetermined network
load placed on wireless network 120 if wireless device 130A is handed
off. The costs may also be based on an effect of adapting the coverage
area on other wireless devices coupled to wireless network 120 (e.g.,
wireless device 140A-I). If a determination is made by adaption manager
122 to adapt the coverage area, processing continues from decision block
520 to block 530. Otherwise, processing comes to an end.

[0068] Continuing from decision block 520 to block 530 (Adapt One or More
Beams), adaption manager 122 may include logic and/or features configured
to adapt one or more beams generated from or by antenna array 124 to
facilitate coverage of wireless device 130A by wireless network 120
(e.g., via beam feature 216). In some examples, a combination of beams
generated by antenna array 124 may be directional beams. For these
examples, adaption manager 122 may cause at least one of the directional
beams to be adapted in order to change the coverage area (e.g., similar
to coverage area 125-1) of wireless network 120 to enable wireless device
130A to be covered by wireless network 120.

[0069] Continuing from block 530 to block 540 (Transmit Confirmation),
adaption manager 122 may include logic and/or features configured to
transmit a confirmation to indicate acceptance of the handoff request
from wireless network 110 for wireless device 130A (e.g., via beam
feature 216). In some examples, the confirmation may be transmitted via
communication channel 160 or 170 and may indicate acceptance of the
handoff request. The confirmation may also indicate that wireless network
120's coverage area has been adapted to now cover wireless device 130A.

[0070] Continuing from block 540 to block 550 (Handoff Wireless Device),
adaption manager 122 may include logic and/or features configured to
handoff wireless device 130A from wireless network 110 (e.g., via handoff
feature 318). In some examples, adaption manager 122 may be configured to
follow protocols/procedures as described in operating agreements between
operators of wireless networks 110 and 120 to conduct the handoff. Also,
various industry standards may be followed to conduct the handoff. The
process then moves from block 550 and comes to an end.

[0071]FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer program
product 600. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6, computer program
product 600 includes a signal bearing medium 602 that may also include
instructions 604 for a first wireless network (e.g., wireless network
110) to handoff a wireless device (e.g., wireless device 130A) to a
second wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120). Instructions 604,
which, when executed by logic (e.g., coverage logic 210), may cause the
logic to receive coverage information associated with the wireless
device. The instructions 604 may also cause the logic to determine
whether the wireless device is possibly covered by the second wireless
network based, at least in part, on the coverage information. The
instructions 604 may also cause the logic to transmit a handoff request
to the second wireless network based, at least in part, on a
determination that the wireless device is possibly covered by the second
wireless network.

[0072] Also depicted in FIG. 6, in some examples, computer product 600 may
include one or more of a computer readable medium 606, a recordable
medium 608 and a communications medium 610. The dotted boxes around these
elements depict different types of mediums included within, but not
limited to, signal bearing medium 602. These types of mediums may
distribute instructions 604 to be executed by logic (e.g., coverage logic
210). Computer readable medium 606 and recordable medium 608 may include,
but are not limited to, a flexible disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), a
Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a
computer memory, etc. Communications medium 610 may include, but is not
limited to, a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a
fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communication link, a wireless
communication link, etc.).

[0073]FIG. 7 illustrates an example computing device 700. In some
examples, coverage manager 112 or adaption manager 122 depicted in FIGS.
1A-C, FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 may be implemented on computing device 700. In
these examples, elements of computing device 700 may be arranged or
configured for a wireless device handoff between a first wireless network
and a second wireless network. In a very basic configuration 701,
computing device 700 typically includes one or more processors 710 and
system memory 720. A memory bus 730 can be used for communicating between
the processor 710 and the system memory 720.

[0074] Depending on the desired configuration, processor 710 can be of any
type including but not limited to a microprocessor (μP), a
microcontroller (μC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any
combination thereof. Processor 710 can include one more levels of
caching, such as a level one cache 711 and a level two cache 712, a
processor core 713, and registers 714. The processor core 713 can include
an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a digital
signal processing core (DSP Core), or any combination thereof. A memory
controller 715 can also be used with the processor 710, or in some
implementations the memory controller 715 can be an internal part of the
processor 710.

[0075] Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory 720 can
be of any type including but not limited to volatile memory (such as
RAM), non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or any
combination thereof. System memory 720 typically includes an operating
system 721, one or more applications 722, and program data 724.
Application 722 includes instructions 723 that are arranged to perform
the functions as described herein including the actions described with
respect to coverage manager 112 architecture shown in FIG. 2, adaption
manager 122 architecture shown in FIG. 3 or including the actions
described with respect to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Program
Data 724 includes handoff data 725 that is useful for implementing
instructions 723 (e.g., determining whether to handoff, coordinating or
executing handoffs between wireless networks). In some examples,
application 722 can be arranged to operate with program data 724 on an
operating system 721 such that implementations for a wireless device
handoff between a first wireless network and a second wireless network
may be provided as described herein. This described basic configuration
is illustrated in FIG. 7 by those components within dashed line 701.

[0076] Computing device 700 can have additional features or functionality,
and additional interfaces to facilitate communications between the basic
configuration 701 and any required devices and interfaces. For example, a
bus/interface controller 740 can be used to facilitate communications
between the basic configuration 701 and one or more data storage devices
750 via a storage interface bus 741. The data storage devices 750 can be
removable storage devices 751, non-removable storage devices 752, or a
combination thereof. Examples of removable storage and non-removable
storage devices include magnetic disk devices such as flexible disk
drives and hard-disk drives (HDD), optical disk drives such as compact
disk (CD) drives or digital versatile disk (DVD) drives, solid state
drives (SSD), and tape drives to name a few. Example computer storage
media can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable
media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information,
such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data.

[0077] System memory 720, removable storage 751 and non-removable storage
752 are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media
includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other
memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or
other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to
store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing
device 700 (e.g., coverage maps). Any such computer storage media can be
part of device 700.

[0078] Computing device 700 can also include an interface bus 742 for
facilitating communication from various interface devices (e.g., output
interfaces, peripheral interfaces, and communication interfaces) to the
basic configuration 701 via the bus/interface controller 740. Example
output interfaces 760 include a graphics processing unit 761 and an audio
processing unit 762, which can be configured to communicate to various
external devices such as a display or speakers via one or more A/V ports
763. Example peripheral interfaces 760 include a serial interface
controller 771 or a parallel interface controller 772, which can be
configured to communicate with external devices such as input devices
(e.g., keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device,
etc.) or other peripheral devices (e.g., printer, scanner, etc.) via one
or more I/O ports 773. An example communication interface 780 includes a
network controller 781, which can be arranged to facilitate
communications with one or more other computing devices 790 over a
network communication via one or more communication ports 782. A network
communication connection is one example of a communication media.
Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. A "modulated data
signal" can be a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set
or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By
way of example, and not limitation, communication media can include wired
media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless
media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) and other
wireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein can
include both storage media and communication media.

[0079] Computing device 700 can be implemented as a portion of a personal
computer including both laptop computer and non-laptop computer
configurations or implemented in a workstation or a server configuration.
In some examples, computing device 700 may be included in or associated
with a base-station for a wireless network (e.g., wireless networks 110
or 120). In other examples, computing device 700 may be part of a
wireless communication system head end that may control/manage a wireless
network.

[0080] References made in this disclosure to the term "responsive to" or
"in response to" are not limited to responsiveness to a particular
feature and/or structure. A feature may also be responsive to another
feature and/or structure and also be located within that feature and/or
structure. Moreover, when terms or phrases such as "coupled" or
"responsive" or "in response to" or "in communication with", etc. are
used herein or in the claims that follow, these terms should be
interpreted broadly. For example, the phrase "coupled to" may refer to
being communicatively, electrically and/or operatively coupled as
appropriate for the context in which the phrase is used.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within
the art to describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth
herein, and thereafter use engineering practices to integrate such
described devices (e.g., transmitters, receivers, wireless devices,
computing platforms, computing devices, etc.) and/or methods into data
processing systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or
methods described herein can be integrated into a data processing system
via a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those having skill in the art
will recognize that a typical data processing system generally includes
one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device, a memory
such as volatile and non-volatile memory, processors such as
microprocessors and digital signal processors, computational entities
such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and
applications programs, one or more interaction devices, such as a touch
pad or screen, and/or control systems including feedback loops and
control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity;
control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities).
A typical data processing system may be implemented utilizing any
suitable commercially available component, such as those typically found
in data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication
systems.

[0082] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different
components or elements contained within, or connected with, different
other components or elements. It is to be understood that such depicted
architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other
architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In
a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to
achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each
other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of
architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so
associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably
coupled", to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two
components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being
"operably couplable", to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to
physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or
wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or
logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

[0083] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular
terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural
to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate
to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0084] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general,
terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of
the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the
term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to,"
the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term
"includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to,"
etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of
such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to
understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the
introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to
imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite
articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such
introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases
"one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or
"an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at
least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite
articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the
bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically
means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore,
in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B,
and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the
sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g.,
"a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together,
A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B,
or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the
sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g.,
"a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together,
A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any
disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,
whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to
contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of
the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be
understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0085] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein,
other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for
purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the
true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.